Percussion plaque; cennala

Ce??ala (chengila), a percussion plaque of bronze, or bell metal. The instrument was cast in a mould and forged by a member of the Musari brass making community. A circular repeat pattern of eight diamonds, perhaps representing lotus petals, is incised on the playing side. White cotton string is threaded through two holes and covered with red cotton to form a handle. This cennala was made in Kadavalloor, Thrissur. The wooden beater was made by Cherussery Kuttan Marar.